Jerusalem: Nickolay Mladenov, the high representative of the Board of Peace overseeing the US-brokered ceasefire in Gaza, stated on Wednesday that 'we are not asking Hamas to disappear as a political movement.'
According to Anadolu Agency, Mladenov emphasized at a news conference in Jerusalem the necessity for Hamas and other armed groups to disarm, declaring the issue 'not negotiable.' He pointed out the challenges of building a future with armed groups present, hiding in tunnels, and stockpiling weapons, stressing that reconstruction cannot proceed with militias occupying the streets.
Hamas reacted with surprise to these remarks and called for 'the immediate empowerment of the National Committee for Gaza Administration.' The group insists on the committee's entry into the Strip to assume full responsibilities and be equipped with all necessary requirements for its operations. Hazem Qassem, the group's spokesperson, confirmed that Hamas had taken 'all the required steps to hand over the various areas of governance and administration in the Strip to the national committee.'
Mladenov further commented that, seven months after the ceasefire started in October 2025, 'the door to the future of Gaza is still closed.' He highlighted that the current situation does not fulfill the promises made to Palestinians, nor does it provide Israel with the security needed for future progress, which the Israeli populace desires.
Despite the existence of a ceasefire, Mladenov noted that it is not perfect, citing daily violations, including serious breaches, as the Israeli army continues to infringe upon the truce. The Board of Peace, an 11-member non-political Palestinian technocratic body, was established in January to manage Gaza's civilian affairs and reconstruction, initiated by US President Donald Trump to aid in achieving a peaceful settlement.
Hamas has consistently announced its readiness to transfer civil administration duties to the committee, urging for substantive pressure on Israel to allow the committee's entry into Gaza and commence its operations. Since the ceasefire on October 10, 2025, Israeli actions have resulted in the deaths of approximately 856 Palestinians and injuries to 2,463 others, as reported by Gaza's Health Ministry.
The ceasefire followed two years of conflict in Gaza initiated by Israel in October 2023, which resulted in the death of over 72,000 Palestinians, injuries to more than 172,000, and the devastation of about 90% of civilian infrastructure in the region.